Physical_therapy Guides
TOPICS
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rehabilitation
The science of proprioception and the somatosensory system
Geriatric physical therapy and fall prevention
Fear-avoidance, catastrophizing, and the psychology of chronic pain
Wound care and integumentary physical therapy
Neurological physical therapy: scope, settings, and core practice
Virtual reality and gaming technology in rehabilitation
Hip osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement
Joint biomechanics: arthrokinematics and osteokinematics
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Montana
Stroke rehabilitation: principles and the recovery timeline
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy
Energy systems and the bioenergetics of rehabilitation
The Mulligan concept: Mobilisation with Movement, NAGs, and SNAGs
The Feldenkrais method and awareness through movement
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Oregon
The history of hydrotherapy and spa medicine in physical rehabilitation
Postural control and the physiology of balance
Motor control: the neuroscience of movement and its disorders
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) in neurological rehabilitation
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Arizona
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Pennsylvania
The science of muscle strengthening: overload, specificity, and progression
The stages of tissue healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): patterns and techniques
The history of diathermy and heat modalities in rehabilitation
Spinal traction: mechanical and manual techniques
The origins of sports physical therapy and its relationship to athletic training
The history of goniometry and range-of-motion measurement
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM / Graston)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Scoliosis and the Schroth method
The Williams flexion versus McKenzie extension debate in low back exercise
The science of tendinopathy: pathology, loading, and recovery
Margaret Rood and the sensorimotor approach in neurological therapy
Balance and vestibular rehabilitation exercises
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Missouri
Continuous passive motion (CPM) in post-surgical rehabilitation
The Maitland concept of joint mobilization
The iron lung and the history of respiratory rehabilitation
Therapeutic ultrasound: physics, parameters, and clinical use
Robin McKenzie and the origins of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Utah
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary rehabilitation
The gate control theory of pain and its influence on physical therapy
Respiratory physiology and the mechanics of breathing
The history of continuous passive motion after joint surgery
The neurophysiology of stretching and flexibility
Telehealth and digital physical therapy practice
Cardiovascular physiology and the response to exercise in disease
Lymphedema management and certified lymphedema therapy
The science of aerobic conditioning and VO2 max
The physiology of thermotherapy and cryotherapy
Kinesiology of the hip and pelvis
The history of spinal traction therapy
The physiology of aging muscle: sarcopenia and its reversal
The science of motor imagery and mirror therapy
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for muscle re-education
Cryotherapy and the use of cold in injury management
Trigger point therapy and ischemic compression
Exercise physiology: cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations to training
Physical therapy for cerebral palsy
Oncology rehabilitation and cancer-related physical therapy
Cartilage structure, loading, and the science of osteoarthritis
Direct access to physical therapy in Michigan
Knee osteoarthritis and conservative management
Orthopedic physical therapy: scope and common caseload
Direct access to physical therapy in North Dakota
The vestibular system: anatomy, physiology, and balance control
Direct access to physical therapy in South Dakota
Robotics and exoskeletons in gait rehabilitation
Physical therapy in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
Board specialist certification in physical therapy (ABPTS)
Blood flow, angiogenesis, and the vascular response to exercise
Gustav Zander and the 19th-century mechanotherapy movement
Physical therapy in osteoporosis and bone health
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain modulation
Thermotherapy: superficial and deep heating agents
Direct access to physical therapy in Wyoming
Plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain
Strain-counterstrain (positional release) technique
Manual lymphatic drainage and complete decongestive therapy
Physical therapy as a profession: identity, autonomy, and the vision for practice
Osteoporosis-related fractures and rehabilitation
Physical therapy in pregnancy and the postpartum period
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin
Per Henrik Ling and the birth of Swedish medical gymnastics
Achilles tendinopathy
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Arkansas
Fibromyalgia and exercise therapy
How to become a licensed physical therapist in North Dakota
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Ohio
Spasticity: assessment and management in neurological conditions
The McKenzie method (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy): assessment and treatment
The history of World Physiotherapy (the World Confederation for Physical Therapy)
The principles of therapeutic exercise prescription (FITT and dosage)
Iontophoresis: transdermal drug delivery with electric current
Range of motion, contracture, and the biomechanics of joint stiffness
The neuromatrix theory of pain and modern pain models
Joint mobilization and manipulation: grades, techniques, and evidence
Chest physiotherapy: postural drainage, percussion, and airway clearance
Low-level laser (photobiomodulation) therapy in rehabilitation
Body-weight-supported treadmill training and locomotor training
Core stabilization and motor control exercise for the spine
Plyometric training in rehabilitation and return to sport
Graded motor imagery and mirror therapy for chronic pain and CRPS
Connective tissue mechanics: tendon, ligament, and the response to loading
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree: curriculum and accreditation
The evidence-based practice movement and its transformation of physical therapy
Lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
Rotator cuff disease and shoulder impingement
Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release
Pediatric physical therapy: developmental and congenital conditions
The biomechanics of the lumbar spine and load tolerance
The role of physical therapy in the healthcare system and reimbursement
Direct access to physical therapy in Alaska
Carpal tunnel syndrome and the conservative approach
Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
Freddy Kaltenborn and the Nordic system of manual therapy
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
John and James Mennell and the history of joint manipulation in medicine
The history of women's health and pelvic floor physical therapy
Ancient origins of physical therapy: therapeutic exercise and massage in Greece, Rome, and China
The electrophysiology of nerve and muscle stimulation
Mary McMillan: the mother of American physical therapy
Geoffrey Maitland and the development of Australian manual therapy
The history of physiotherapy in the United Kingdom and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
The history of direct access and autonomous practice in physical therapy
Pain neuroscience: nociception, central sensitization, and the biopsychosocial model
The biomechanics of the knee: tibiofemoral and patellofemoral mechanics
Muscle energy technique (MET) in manual therapy
The scope of practice of physical therapy and interprofessional boundaries
Direct access to physical therapy in Connecticut
Direct access to physical therapy in Maine
Direct access to physical therapy in Idaho
Amputee rehabilitation and prosthetic training
Low back pain: classification, assessment, and physical therapy management
Direct access to physical therapy in West Virginia
Ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability
Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
Cervical radiculopathy
Direct access to physical therapy in Maryland
Evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines in physical therapy
Professional ethics and the APTA Code of Ethics
Sister Elizabeth Kenny and her method for poliomyelitis
The reconstruction aides of World War I and the birth of American physiotherapy
The polio epidemics and their transformation of physical therapy
World War II and the expansion of physical therapy in military rehabilitation
The 19th-century rise of medical massage and the masseuse profession
Direct access to physical therapy in Colorado
The history of therapeutic ultrasound in physical therapy
Lumbar spinal stenosis
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Florida
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
The founding of the American Physiotherapy Association (1921) and its growth into the APTA
Kinesiology of the foot and ankle
Motor development across the lifespan
Brian Mulligan and the development of Mobilisation with Movement
The history of electrotherapy: from Galvani and Faraday to modern electrical stimulation
Physical therapy in burn rehabilitation
Pelvic health physical therapy: incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction
Home health and skilled nursing physical therapy settings
Berta and Karel Bobath and the origins of Neurodevelopmental Treatment
Neck pain and cervical dysfunction
Florence Kendall and the history of manual muscle testing and posture assessment
Direct access to physical therapy in Nebraska
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) for stroke recovery
Signe Brunnstrom and the history of movement therapy in hemiplegia
Herman Kabat, Margaret Knott, and the development of PNF at Kaiser Vallejo
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) / Bobath approach in neurorehabilitation
The history of cardiac rehabilitation and the end of prolonged bed rest
Physical therapy in multiple sclerosis
The history of orthotics, prosthetics, and amputee rehabilitation
The history of pulmonary rehabilitation and chest physiotherapy
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Alabama
The history of therapeutic exercise: from remedial gymnastics to modern resistance training
The history of pediatric physical therapy and the treatment of cerebral palsy
Direct access to physical therapy in Alabama
Direct access to physical therapy in Nevada
Direct access to physical therapy in New Jersey
Direct access to physical therapy in Delaware
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Virginia
Direct access to physical therapy in Iowa
Direct access to physical therapy in New Hampshire
Direct access to physical therapy in Rhode Island
Direct access to physical therapy in Massachusetts
Direct access to physical therapy in Minnesota
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Georgia
Direct access to physical therapy in Pennsylvania
Direct access to physical therapy in Vermont
Direct access to physical therapy in Virginia
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Colorado
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Michigan
The history of dry needling and its entry into physical therapy practice
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Connecticut
Direct access to physical therapy in North Carolina
James Cyriax and the history of orthopaedic medicine and deep friction massage
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Kentucky
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Massachusetts
Delayed-onset muscle soreness: mechanisms and management
How to become a licensed physical therapist in New Jersey
Therapeutic exercise: open- and closed-kinetic-chain training
Chronic pain management and the role of physical therapy
Sports physical therapy and athletic performance
How to become a licensed physical therapist in Iowa
The autonomic nervous system and its relevance to rehabilitation
The history of geriatric physical therapy and rehabilitation of the aging
The physiology of bone: Wolff's law and mechanotransduction
Concussion rehabilitation and return-to-play management
Physical therapy in the intensive care unit (early mobilization)
Neuroplasticity and the principles of experience-dependent recovery
Biomechanics of human gait: the gait cycle and its analysis
The biomechanics of the shoulder complex and scapulohumeral rhythm
Direct access to physical therapy in Oklahoma
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy for dizziness and balance disorders
How to become a licensed physical therapist in California
Direct access to physical therapy in Hawaii
Direct access to physical therapy in Mississippi
How to become a licensed physical therapist in North Carolina
Direct access to physical therapy in Florida
Direct access to physical therapy in Montana
The evolution of physical therapy education: from certificate to the Doctor of Physical Therapy
Motor learning theory and its application in rehabilitation
The physiology of immobilization and deconditioning
The science of fatigue: peripheral and central mechanisms
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training in rehabilitation
Eccentric exercise and the Alfredson protocol for tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy for tendinopathy and chronic soft tissue conditions
Return-to-sport testing and criteria after injury
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the repositioning maneuvers
Global physical therapy: education and practice models around the world
Kinesiology of the cervical spine and head-neck control
Skeletal muscle physiology: fiber types, hypertrophy, and atrophy
Muscle synergies and the control of coordinated movement
Kinesiology taping: methods, claims, and evidence
Aquatic therapy: principles and clinical applications
Pilates-based rehabilitation
Post-operative rehabilitation after joint replacement
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and physical therapy
Outcome measures and standardized assessment in physical therapy
Dry needling: technique, indications, and evidence
Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
RECENT
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common knee sprain affecting athletes and the general population. Rehabilitation through physical therapy is critical for restoring knee stability and function after both surgical and non-surgical treatment.
The Science of Proprioception and the Somatosensory System in Physical Therapy
Proprioception, our body's 'sixth sense,' is a key component of the somatosensory system that allows us to perceive our body's position and movement. Physical therapy leverages an understanding of this system to enhance movement, balance, and rehabilitation.
Fall Prevention in Older Adults: The Role of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric physical therapy is a specialized field focused on helping older adults maintain mobility and prevent falls. Through targeted exercises and assessments, it addresses age-related changes in balance, strength, and gait to enhance safety and independence.
Fear-Avoidance, Catastrophizing, and the Psychology of Chronic Pain in Physical Therapy
Fear-avoidance and catastrophizing are psychological responses that can intensify chronic pain by promoting physical inactivity and disability. Physical therapy utilizes targeted interventions to address these cognitive and behavioral factors, helping to break the pain cycle.
Wound Care and Integumentary Physical Therapy
Integumentary physical therapy is a specialized area of practice focused on the assessment and treatment of wounds, scars, and various skin conditions. Therapists use debridement, dressings, and advanced modalities to promote healing and restore function.
Neurological physical therapy: scope, settings, and core practice
The Application of Virtual Reality and Gamification in Physical Therapy
Virtual reality (VR) and gaming technology are increasingly integrated into physical therapy to create immersive, motivating environments for rehabilitation. These tools help improve motor function, balance, and adherence to treatment plans by transforming repetitive exercises into engaging challenges.
Hip Osteoarthritis and Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Physiotherapy Perspective
Hip osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement are common causes of hip pain and dysfunction. Physiotherapy provides non-surgical management focused on improving mobility, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain to enhance quality of life.
Joint Biomechanics: Arthrokinematics and Osteokinematics
Joint biomechanics analyzes human movement by dividing it into two components: osteokinematics, which describes the observable motion of bones in space, and arthrokinematics, which details the subtle, involuntary movements occurring between joint surfaces.
Becoming a Licensed Physical Therapist in Montana
Obtaining a physical therapist license in Montana requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited institution, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and submitting an application to the Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Stroke Rehabilitation: Principles and the Recovery Timeline
Stroke rehabilitation is a crucial post-stroke program designed to help patients relearn skills lost after brain damage. This article outlines the core principles of physical therapy and the expected timeline for recovery.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy focused on the evaluation and treatment of individuals with diseases and injuries of the heart and lungs. It aims to improve endurance, functional independence, and quality of life through exercise, education, and airway clearance techniques.